Local MP Jesse Norman visited the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby this week.

As Minister for Industry and Energy, Jesse was keen to see one of the country’s most important engineering companies in action, and to discuss UK investment in aerospace with them.

Jesse was welcomed to the plant by Colin Smith, Group President and Chris Barkey, Director-Engineering and Technology. They talked Jesse through Rolls-Royce’s future plans and led a tour of part of the company's huge jet engine production line. Jesse later visited the company's apprentice training centre.

Commenting, Jesse said “I was delighted to visit Rolls-Royce and see their extraordinary engineering expertise at first hand. Meeting so many skilled engineers fills me with confidence for the future of advanced British manufacturing.

“Rolls-Royce and many other British companies are leading the way in developing new aerospace and aviation technology.

“Visiting the production line and meeting the company's young apprentices underlines once again the importance of our own new university project in Herefordshire, which is specifically aimed at developing skilled and rounded engineers with hands-on industry experience who are ready for immediate employment.”